The Parliament of Lesotho will host the tenth Conference of Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers in Maseru from November 2 to 5 this year.

Deputy Clerk for the National Assembly, Mrs. Rethabile Maluke said the conference will provide a forum for Commonwealth speakers and presiding officers to share views on strengthening these democratic institutions.

Discussions will include the role of parliament in promoting peace and resolving conflict in Africa; its role in fighting corruption; and the role of reforms in strengthening democracy.

 A total of 18 Commonwealth countries will take part in the conference, to be officially opened by the Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, Mrs. Maluke said.

The Ninth Conference, at which Speaker Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai was elected the Chairperson of the Standing Committee, was held in Mauritius in 2003.

01 November 2005